I don't give a whit about UN authorization for the U.S. sending troops anywhere. All I care about is things like "were our two wars against Iraq Constitutional?"

The US was never at war with Iraq. There are provisions in the War Powers Act, which stipulate the following two conditions:

1) the President, upon sending troops into military action, must notify Congress within 48 hours that he has done so.

2) it forbids military personnel from remaining in a state of conflict for more than 60 days (including an additional 30 days for withdrawal). After that, the President must seek an additional authorization from Congress or a formal declaration of war.

The US was never at war with Iraq. There are provisions in the War Powers Act, which stipulate the following two conditions:

1) the President, upon sending troops into military action, must notify Congress within 48 hours that he has done so.

2) it forbids military personnel from remaining in a state of conflict for more than 60 days (including an additional 30 days for withdrawal). After that, the President must seek an additional authorization from Congress or a formal declaration of war.

Were these conditions met with the Iraq War? Nope.

What makes it Constitutional for Congress to "authorize" war-like action by the President without actually declaring war? That's my question.

I can't find any power for Congress to 'authorize' the President to wage war-in-fact outside of a Congressional declaration of war...

What did SCOTUS have to say about it? That it seems necessary and therefore is proper?

Earlier today, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad had issued a statement that the U.S. military had "begun the process" of a deliberate withdrawal from Syria.

“CJTF-OIR has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria, Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troops movements.” said Col. Sean Ryan, spokesman for the anti-ISIS coalition.

Earlier today, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad had issued a statement that the U.S. military had "begun the process" of a deliberate withdrawal from Syria.

“CJTF-OIR has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria, Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troops movements.” said Col. Sean Ryan, spokesman for the anti-ISIS coalition.

If I understand it, Presidents can send troops anywhere on their own authority and keep them wherever indefinitely, but they can't bring them home without a court order? Or is it permission from Congress that's required to bring troops home?

If I understand it, Presidents can send troops anywhere on their own authority and keep them wherever indefinitely, but they can't bring them home without a court order? Or is it permission from Congress that's required to bring troops home?

Sort of.

The War Powers Act of 1973 allows a president to commit US military to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress, provided that these 2 conditions are met;

1) the President, upon sending troops into military action, must notify Congress within 48 hours that he has done so.

2) it forbids military personnel from remaining in a state of conflict for more than 60 days (including an additional 30 days for withdrawal). After that, the President must seek an additional authorization from Congress or a formal declaration of war.

Once Congress has approved the conflict, the war can last years or even decades.

Of course, the Commander-In-Chief may move troops around at his discretion, without consulting the Congress.

"We've beaten [ISIS] and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home." Trump said last month.

But this is very misleading. In the case of Syria, US troops are simply being moved around - they will not be coming home as Trump promised.

Today, a bombing in the northern Syrian town of Manbij claimed at least four Americans.

2 US servicemen, 1 Defense contractor, and 1 civilian.

The Pentagon has released a statement saying the withdrawal process is now underway.“Our deepest sympathies and love go out to the families of the brave American heroes who were killed today in Syria... Our service members and their families have all sacrificed so much for our country.” - Sarah H. Sanders/WH Press Sect'y